rki.news | Sources Dawn
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 20: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Sunday warned that proposed protests and sit-ins could cause an estimated daily economic loss of around Rs120 billion, based on research by the Planning Commission.
Speaking in a televised message, Aurangzeb said the services sector could face losses of Rs86bn, while industrial activity could lose Rs25bn and agriculture Rs9bn.
He said an additional Rs17bn in government revenue could also be lost if the protests proceed.
Aurangzeb said the possible disruptions come amid economic difficulties linked to the Middle East conflict, including higher freight, insurance and supply chain costs. He also cited risks to exports and IT services from disruptions to internet connectivity.
The warning came ahead of planned protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI). PTI has announced a nationwide protest on Sept. 27, while JI has begun a march towards Islamabad over the petroleum levy.
Aurangzeb urged that outstanding issues be resolved through dialogue, saying the economic burden of disruptions would ultimately affect workers, small traders and daily wage earners.
Meanwhile, authorities reviewed security arrangements in Islamabad, with containers placed at major entry points ahead of the planned protests.
Finance Minister Warns Protests Could Cause Heavy Daily Economic Losses
